Obituaries - Thompson Memorial Home

Robert P. Parnell

Robert Parnell, age 87, of Tinton Falls, NJ, passed away on Wednesday, May 15, 2024. Born in Brooklyn, NY on November 22, 1936, Robert grew up in the Mapleton section near 18th avenue on 62nd street. He attended St. Athanasius Roman Catholic Church and Grammar School. After graduation, Robert attended St. John’s Preparatory School in the Astoria neighborhood of Queens where he distinguished himself as the sports editor for the school newspaper, The Red Owl. His talent for writing and reporting earned him the nickname, “Scoop” by his classmates.

Growing up, Robert was a passionate baseball fan with a strong love for the Brooklyn Dodgers. His favorite Dodger was Jackie Robinson, whose electrifying steals of home embodied the excitement and spirit of the game for Robert. He never forgave Walter O’Malley for moving the team to Los Angeles.

Robert’s love affair with the University of Notre Dame began as a young boy listening to the Fighting Irish football games on the radio and watching them on TV. After graduating from St. John’s Prep, Robert went on to attend Notre Dame, earning a Bachelor of Arts, Bachelor of Science, and a Master of Science in Electrical Engineering in 1958, 1960, and 1963, respectively. He then moved to New Jersey, working as an electrical engineer at Bell Labs in Holmdel, NJ for 35 years, where he also played catcher for the Bell Labs Road Runners Men’s Softball Team, proudly wearing his battle scars. After retiring, he taught math in the Long Branch School District and Asbury Park Middle School. Throughout this time, Robert continued to be connected to his beloved Alma Mater, serving as a football scout for nearly three decades. Every fall, Robert would make a trip out to South Bend with family and friends to root on the Fighting Irish and reconnect with old classmates.

Muriel Murphy

Muriel Murphy, of Shrewsbury, passed away peacefully on Friday, May 17, 2024. She was born on December 5, 1932 in Jersey City, N.J. Muriel was a life-long resident of Red Bank prior to moving to Shrewsbury.

She was raised in Jersey City where she attended Lincoln High School and met the love of her life, Art Murphy. They lived in Jersey City and Middletown before settling in Red Bank. A lifelong resident of Red Bank, Muriel was well known for her commitment to volunteering with many different organizations with a special devotion to the ARC of Monmouth County. She was a communicant and eucharistic minister of Saint James parish.

Jay W. Demarest

Jay W. Demarest, age 92 of Middletown, NJ, passed away on May 4, 2024.

Jay is survived by his loving wife of 30 years, Carol; his children Chris Demarest, Caryn Demarest (Jeff Hicks), Colleen (Shaun) Figueroa; his stepchildren Laurie (Bill) Anderson, John (Sharon) Kettyle; his grandchildren Junelle, Jayden, Jaxon, Dante, Christopher, Michael, Matt, Alexandra and Garrett.

Thomas W. Doran, Jr.

Thomas William Doran, Jr. (Tom) was called home to God on May 15, 2024, at 78 years old, after a courageous battle with cancer, fought with positivity and grace. He passed as he wished, at home with family by his side.

Tom was born to Mary A. (nee Skroski) Doran and Thomas W. Doran on November 20, 1945, in Newark, New Jersey. He grew up in Newark and Monroe Township, New Jersey, and he attended Jamesburg High School. He is a proud alumnus of Monmouth University, where he earned his Bachelor of Science in High Elementary Education in 1967 and his Master of Science in Elementary Education in 1972. He resided in Wanamassa, Ocean Township.

Thomas J. Philburn

The Jersey Shore has lost one of its most esteemed and beloved residents with the passing of Thomas Joseph Philburn, affectionately known as Tom, TJ, dad, uncle, brother, Captain, and Poppop on May 9, 2024.

Born on a crisp, wintery Thursday December day in 1954, in Middletown, New Jersey to Marion Hunt and William Philburn. Tom was born, raised and lived most of his days in New Jersey. His life and legacy deeply interwoven within the communities he loved and served in Monmouth and Ocean counties.

Tom’s early years were shared with his siblings, Laura, and Helen being a loving, kind, and protective older brother. His journey began with the Boy Scouts, leading him to St. James in Red Bank, graduating from Red Bank Catholic High School in 1973. Briefly becoming a lifeguard along the Jersey Shore. His thirst for adventure and sailing led him to become a Petty Officer in the US Navy.

Charles "C.J." Joseph Laveratt III

Charles Joseph Laveratt III, 61 of West Long Branch, passed away May 11, 2024. C.J. was a beloved father, boyfriend, brother, uncle, cousin and friend to many.

C.J. was predeceased by his parents, Dorothy and Robert E. Laveratt, and his brother, Robert H. Laveratt. Surviving are his children, Robert P. Laveratt III, Sarah Laveratt and her fiance, Ricardo Santos; his loving girlfriend, Tricia Russo; his sisters Nancie Laveratt Byrnes and Sharon Laveratt; his nephews Grant Williams and Patrick Byrnes. C.J. is also survived by a plethora of cousins from the Murphy, Marks, Kirk and Cooney families.

Gertrude "Trudy" Lane

Trudy Lane passed away peacefully at home on May 11th, 2024. She was born on November 21st, 1946, in Long Branch, NJ, to Verna and Webbie Lane. Trudy was preceded in death by her husband, Lee T. Cook, and her parents. She is survived by her sisters, Carol (Paul) White and Janet Colmorgen, as well as nieces, nephews, stepchildren, and many dear friends.

Mary Madeline Muise

It is with a heavy heart that the family of Mary Madeline Muise announce her passing on May 5, 2024 in Fair Haven, New Jersey, peacefully at home surrounded by her loving family.

Madeline was born on February 10, 1943, in Albany, New York to William L. Riley and Margaret Hoffman Riley. Madeline was the eldest of three children. Madeline graduated from the College of Saint Rose in Albany with a Bachelor’s degree in Spanish. Madeline had a passion for the arts and music and excelled in drama, forensics and piano in high school and college. After college, Madeline moved to Boston where she met her beloved husband of 59 years, Richard W. Muise. Madeline and Richard shortly thereafter moved to Fair Haven, New Jersey in 1972 where they made a beautiful home and raised their daughters Deborah Moore and Pamela Kane.

Kathleen T. Gahn

Kathleen T. Gahn, beloved wife, mother, grandmother, and stepmother, entered the near presence of God on May 5, 2024, at the age of 84, after a courageous battle with ovarian cancer.

Born and raised in Geneva, New York, Kathleen's life was marked by adventure, faith and spirit. She was a true lover of nature, with a special affinity for birds. Until the pandemic, she actively participated in church activities and was a member of the Monmouth Civic Chorus and her Tower Hill Church choir where she was a member for 36 years. It was at the Monmouth Boat Club where she met her husband, Donald of Rumson, NJ, with whom she shared 28 years of marriage.

Rafik E. Abboud

Rafik Abboud, “Son of Egypt” lived a true American Dream, resided in Tinton Falls, NJ, and passed away in May 2024. Born in Egypt to Louise and Elie Abboud, Rafik embarked on a remarkable journey that touched the lives of many.

Rafik immigrated to the United States with nothing but determination and a dream. His smile and charisma warmed your heart, welcomed you in, and undoubtedly left a wonderful impression. Rafik will be remembered as selfless and kind, even putting the needs of strangers ahead of his own.

Rafik's greatest legacy lies in the lessons he imparted to those around him. He taught love, forgiveness, meaning, kindness, and the importance of striving for excellence in one's passions. Family was the cornerstone of Rafik's life, and his devotion to his wife Mona, son Michael, daughter Michelle, and his five grandchildren knew no bounds.

Anne Beekman Cornwell Smith

October 1938 to April 2024

Anne Beekman Cornwell Smith was born in 1938, raised in Little Silver New Jersey and graduated from Red Bank High School in 1957.

She attended Goucher College and graduated from Katharine Gibbs School in 1960.

While Anne told everyone her first job was catching crabs in the Shrewsbury River off Point Road in Little Silver and selling them to her neighbors, she first officially worked at the Beekman Orchard in Middletown. From there she was the assistant to the comptroller at the Garden State Parkway, retiring in 2003.